UAE-based Albatha Group’s division Global Food Industries was recognised for its exemplary efforts toward healthy snacking innovation at the Gulfood 2017, held last week in Dubai.

The 22nd edition of the world’s largest annual food industry exhibition convened over 5,000 local, regional and international exhibitors.

Global Food Industries emerged victorious with its Frozen Aqua Kale Portions winning the ‘Best Fruit and Vegetable Innovation’ category, and its ZING Chicken Nuggets Bites winning the ‘Best Meat and Poultry Innovation’ category.

These products have achieved phenomenal success in the Middle Eastern and Asian markets since their launch, with the brand enjoying pioneer status for introducing these first-of-its-kind products in the global frozen foods market, said a statement.

Jacek Plewa, general manager of Global Food Industries, said: “We are extremely proud to be the recipient of two awards in very competitive categories. This is a great start to the year, and we believe it will set the tone for the rest of the year in terms of meeting and exceeding customer expectations throughout our entire product line.”

ZING Chicken Nuggets bites is the first product of its kind in the frozen chicken nuggets category across Middle East, as it’s made from whole muscle chicken breast cut manually into cubes and then coated. It entirely avoids the addition of fillers and extenders that are not only a cheaper alternative to lower production costs, but also pose considerable health risks to consumers in the long run, the company said.

Its other product - Frozen Aqua Kale Portions - is made from fresh Aqua Kale grown in the UAE using aquaponic technology and free from harmful pathogens, pesticides, and preservatives or additives used in traditionally grown Aqua Kale. With an array of health benefits and loaded with more nutrients than most food groups, Frozen Aqua Kale Portions is a superfood supplement that can be incorporated in the daily diet effortlessly and conveniently.

Plewa said: “Our goal has always been to improve and augment health standards in every market we operate. Through intensive research programmes and interaction with our customers, we create products that not only deliver unparalleled nutritional value, but also delicious taste that is unmatched in their respective categories. We regularly audit our innovative processes and our state-of-the-art facilities to ensure our product lines deliver our brand values and create innovative products that win the hearts and confidence of UAE residents.”

Global Food Industries is the manufacturing arm of Albatha Consumer Group of Albatha Holding, which is one of the leading private business groups in the UAE, consisting of more than 25 autonomous companies in diversified sectors such as automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, FMCG, engineering, electronics, food and real estate. – TradeArabia News Service